Device for measuring and analysing the colour of the outer ear and ear canal

Abstract

The present application concerns a device for measurement and analysis of the middle ear and ear channel color for the diagnosis of ear infections. The device is composed of a otoscope ( 1 ), including two optical fibers ( 2 a and 2 b ): one for ear illumination and another returning the reflected light. The electronic unit ( 3 ) can change linearly the power of emitted light, as well as, its color. The received light is also independently measured, enabling the determination of changes on color and texture associated with the ear inflammations. Command buttons in the otoscope handler ( 4 ) enable the user to save the values of the three color components. The combined value of the components is shown in the digital display ( 5 ) of the electronic unit, as well as, by a set of LEDs ( 6 ) green, yellow and red that gives a diagnosis in a simple and immediate way. The otoscope allows, simultaneously, directly ear view through a magnifying glass ( 7 ) applied in the head of the otoscope, with a standard white light. This device is also useful in food industry.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A device for measuring and analyzing the color of the outer ear and ear canal an ear comprising:
 an otoscope; 
 an electronic unit containing a tri-color light emitter, a tri-color sensor, a digital display and diagnostic signaling LEDs; 
 computer means responsible for the acquisition, processing and storage of light sensor data; optical fibers for conducting light generated in the light emitter in a direction towards a head of the otoscope and for conducting reflected light in an opposite direction, from the ear to the electronic unit for measuring; and 
 means for displaying the results and controlling the equipment, wherein said electronic unit further comprises:
 a tri-color light emitter whose light emission is independently controlled in its three components; 
 a tri-color color sensor which saves the values of the three color components; and 
 diagnostic signaling LEDs. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the device is adapted to be able to use different speculums. 
     
     
       3. The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the strength and composition of the emitted light is varied. 
     
     
       4. The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the color sensor is a RGB type color sensor. 
     
     
       5. The device according to  claim 1 , further comprising a color sensor output measuring with a high resolution, without contact. 
     
     
       6. The device according to  claim 1 , wherein changes in a texture of a surface of the skin is detected through variations in the amount of received light. 
     
     
       7. The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the color sensor is mounted directly on the otoscope. 
     
     
       8. The device according to  claim 1 , wherein ear lighting is made directly by an illumination source or by optical fibers applied in the head of the otoscope. 
     
     
       9. The device according to  claim 1 , the wherein a software program provides a user interface for displaying results. 
     
     
       10. The device according to  claim 1 , wherein a software program allows the analysis of collected data. 
     
     
       11. The device according to  claim 1 , further comprising buttons in the otoscope handler for controlling data acquisition.